More than 200 animals were discovered living in squalid conditions at a home in Northport, New York, where authorities also found a 95-year-old woman effectively trapped in her room due to clutter. The Suffolk County District Attorney's office described the situation as a hoarding case.
The animals, including cats, dogs, parrots, roosters, hedgehogs, chinchillas, guinea pigs, voles and flying squirrels, were found on 1 October. The residence was infested with insects and cluttered with debris, garbage and household waste, making some areas impassable.
Many of the animals were living in overcrowded cages with unsanitary food and water sources, and were diagnosed with serious medical conditions. They are now receiving veterinary care. A 57-year-old wildlife rehabilitator and a 61-year-old man who also lived at the home face animal cruelty charges; the rehabilitator is additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person.
The 95-year-old woman was removed from the home, but her condition has not been disclosed. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina called the level of neglect 'unconscionable'.
